Dog-Friendly Scottish Highlands

A beautiful stone cottage based in Skerray, Scotland. Perfect for the North Coast 500. WiFi. Country views. Enclosed garden. Bettyhill 6.4 miles; Tongue 7.5 miles.

Mey Bee is a gem of a cottage in the far north of Scotland enjoying views across rural Caithness and out to see to the Orkney Islands. The owner has done a marvellous job creating this peaceful, attractive cottage from what was once a ruin. Mey Bee is now a beautiful cottage and one that anyone staying in will wish they had more time in the place, it’s that lovely. You may wish to book for longer than you think, you’ll be pleased you did so.

The setting is inspiring and calming. Set within an acre of wildflower meadow the cottage sits under the large Caithness skies because the landscape in the far north is relatively flat, meaning that the views are vast from the cottage. The cliffs of Hoy can be seen when clear and if the light is right The Old Man of Hoy can be made out. Dunnet Head rises above the surrounding landscape., and generally sea views are enjoyed out of most windows of Mey Bee - thankfully, the owner has created window seats to enjoy said views.

Arriving at Mey Bee you’re immediately struck by the tranquillity of the place. It has a calmness which is epitomised not only by the wonderful surrounds but also the Zen garden to the rear of the property. Before going into the property, you’ll no doubt want to explore right round the cottage. The owner has created lovely curving paths of local stone and little footpaths through the plot to explore. There are many places to erect a tent as well if you wanted to spend a night under the grand skies and stars as well. The front garden has a lovely sitting area, a vegetable patch for guests use, and a firepit nestled within the wildflower meadow. It’s a beautiful place to be.

Entering the cottage via the back door there’s a utility room which is excellent for leaving boots and drying coats, as well securing bikes and other sports equipment. There is a woodshed outside that also serves as a bike shed. Beyond the utility is the amazing open plan living/dining/kitchen space. There are two wood burners in here, one in the fireplace in front of the sofa, and another by the dining/kitchen area, the latter being the solid fuel central heating and also an extra oven. This space also enjoys lots of lights coming in the windows with window seats, sea views are wonderful from here.
There’s a large bathroom with great bath, and the owner has thoughtfully erected large candles in here for guests to enjoy a peaceful, comforting bath. And finally, the double bedroom is yet another relaxing space with two large windows bringing in the landscapes.

It’s a lovely, peaceful, comfortable cottage that you won’t want to leave once you’ve arrived. However, it is recommended you do a bit of exploring of course. The walks locally are tremendous, you can explore the coastline for as far as you wish in both directions from just down the road at the marvellous Harrow harbour. The Castle of Mey is the neighbouring property to Mey Bee and can be seen across the fields from the rear of the cottage. The NC500 is only a minute away so you can tour till your heart’s content to amazing sights across the north coast and northeast coast. It’s a truly outstanding cottage to spend a week, two or three.

Burray is located in Mey within walking distance from the beach, with amazing uninterrupted views across the Pentland Firth to Orkney. Inside the lodge there is an open plan lounge with comfy sofa and chairs, Smart TV with Netflix, electric fire and a dining area with table and four chairs. The modern kitchen is well-equipped. Burray is pet friendly and can accommodate 1 large dog or 2 small dogs. Burray is immaculately presented and there are amazing views from every angle, the owners supply a telescope for guests’ use. There are two bedrooms, a standard double with an en-suite toilet and a single room, both have a wardrobe, bedside tables and lamps. The bathroom has a walk in shower, wash basin and toilet. There is a decking area surrounding the property with seating for outside dining and a hot tub where you may be able to enjoy views of the Northern Lights.
The lodge is located near the Castle of Mey which is the home of the Royal Family when visiting the area. John o’ Groats is 5 miles away where you can take a trip to Orkney. Caithness has something for everyone including walking, cycling, distillery tours, sightseeing, wildlife tours, golf, fishing or just chilling on the beach. There are shops, restaurant and pub 5 miles away. Harrow Lodge is the perfect base from which to explore the surrounding area and to chill out in the hot tub after a busy day.

Cathel Shieling is situated on the banks of Loch Calder in a secluded setting with the most amazing views of the loch and surrounded by large mature trees and rhododendron bushes that are spectacular in bloom. The grounds are laid to lawn with numerous places to sit and take in the breath-taking surroundings. You have exclusive access to the grounds which extend from the road to the loch, comprising around 30 acres. The loch has shingle beaches along the water side.
The property consists of a double garage with remote control access which opens to allow access to the house. Entering the house, there is a large double bedroom on the ground floor with bedside tables and a wardrobe. Also on the ground floor is a sitting room with sofa and comfy chairs, TV and a huge selection of books something for everyone.
The decorative staircase takes you to the first floor where there is a large living room with open fire, stylish sofa and chairs. This room has doors opening on to a balcony which has garden furniture to sit and enjoy the views of the loch. There is a formal dining room with table and eight chairs and views of the loch. There are three bedrooms on this floor; a large double, spacious twin and a bunk bedroom all of which have storage and bedside tables. There is a family bathroom with bath, separate shower cubicle, washbasin and toilet; this floor also has a separate toilet with washbasin. The bright spacious kitchen is fully fitted with floor and wall units, double electric oven, electric hob, fridge/freezer, washing machine and dishwasher, along with a breakfast bar and stools, wood burner and seating area.
Cathel Shieling is the perfect place to base yourself for a relaxing break or to explore what Caithness has to offer, be it walking, visiting historic properties like the Castle of Mey or Dunrobin Castle, or heading out on the famous NC500.

Osprey Lodge is situated in an elevated position, deep in the Sutherland hills, tucked away down a private track, and enjoying unbelievable views across the surrounding hills and open countryside. This superb, detached solid wood lodge enjoys total peace and privacy, set in 50 hectares of croft land. The accommodation is presented to a very good standard throughout. The delightful open plan living space features a welcoming wood burner in the living area, as well as patio doors that open onto the raised decking, with a private hot tub and sitting-out area. There are two beautifully presented kingsize bedrooms with colour coordinated soft furnishings allowing for a good nights’ sleep. This property is very accessible for wheelchair users, with a level entrance and modern bathroom with a claw-footed bath and accessible wet room walk-in shower.

Situated on a working farm where the friendly cattle and sheep roam freely, this is a haven for wildlife and you may also stumble upon osprey, deer, pine martin, red kites, golden eagles and curlews. Whilst completely private, it is just over 1 mile to the pretty stone village of Rogart which is home to a thriving village pub that serves meals, as well as a shop, post office and railway station. It is ideally located for exploring the whole of the Highlands, with many places of interest within a short drive. Dunrobin Castle, seat of the Duke of Sutherland, with its gardens modelled on Versailles is well worth a visit. Or experience salmon leaping up the famous Falls of Shin, and mountain biking, hill walking, fishing, and various water sports are all available locally. The historic seaside town of Dornoch is just 15 minutes’ drive away, where you can visit the sandy beach and the renowned championship golf course, as well as the 12th-century cathedral that dominates the central square. Beach 17¾ miles. Shop, pub and restaurant 1½ miles.

Ardlearag is an outstanding architecturally-designed and timber-clad holiday home in the North West Scotland. Overlooking the sea loch Little Loch Broom, Ardlearag also has views of the isolated Scoraig peninsula and wee mountain Beinn Ghobhlach across the loch, and to the east An Teallach, a fabulous Munro, is in view and only a few miles away. Staying at Ardlearag is like striking gold. Pulling up at the stunning property you won’t believe your luck. Any length of time booked is guaranteed to be too short.

The property nestles into the landscape right beside the water and is surrounded by mountains. The area around Ardlearag is known as the ‘great wilderness’ and staying at the property makes it easy to see why. The front of the house looks towards the water and mountains -quite rightly - so you enter through the back door. On the left there’s a well-placed utility room, perfect for cleaning up after long days out exploring in the wilds. Quickly you discover the wow factor of the house, which is the vast amount of glass in the open plan living/dining/kitchen area. Views up the loch and across the water are truly sensational. It’s an amazing room making the most of the surroundings, and it’s finished to a fantastic high standard (like the whole house). To return to this room after days out on adventures is pure bliss.

Beyond the house the great wilderness awaits. An Teallach is a fantastic Munro and with it being so close it deserves an attempt or two during your holiday. Ullapool and Assynt beyond are not far away, and to the south the coastal villages of Aultbea, Poolewe and Gairloch with numerous sandy beaches to choose from await. Staying at Ardlearag is a superb choice for the most amazing of Highland holidays. Book now and forever be happy with your choice!